The West Asians have four friendlies lined - against Jordan on December 23, Kyrgyz Republic two days later, Algeria (December 27) and Islamic Republic of Iran on December 31 - which Sanchez believes will sharpen his players for the Continental showcase in the UAE.

“The four friendly matches will be a good opportunity to prepare the players. I have several players to choose from the preparatory camp and I will wait till the friendly matches to decide on the final squad," said Sanchez, who has to name his final squad by December 26.

He called up 27 players for the final phase of training ahead of their Group E challenge which also has Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and DPR Korea.

The squad will be trimmed to a final 23 after the Al Annabi camp and friendlies in December.

Qatar will play Jordan and Kyrgyz Republic on December 23 and 25 and will face Algeria and Islamic Republic of Iran on December 27 and 31 in Doha before they leave for the United Arab Emirates for the Continental showpiece.

Qatar are in Group E of the competition alongside Lebanon, DPR Korea, and Saudi Arabia. The Maroons will face Lebanon in their first match on January 9.

Despite being just 22, Akram Afif already has playing experience in Belgium and Spain, the Qatari midfielder will look to cement his status as one of Asia's top talents during January's AFC Asian Cup.

Nationality: Qatar
Date of birth: 18/11/1996
Position: Midfield
Current club: Al Sadd (Qatar)
Previous clubs: Eupen (Belgium), Villarreal, Sporting Gijon (both Spain)

Akram Afif was the hero, scoring the winner four minutes from time to stun World No 8 Switzerland at the Cornadero Stadium in Lugano, Switzerland.

Although he has never played his club football abroad, Wu Lei is widely regarded as one of the top players to have emerged from China PR over the past decade. His two nominations of the AFC Player of the Year award - he finished third in both 2016 and 2017 - are testament to his status in Asian football.

Nationality: China PR
Date of birth: 19/11/1991
Position: Winger
Current club: Shanghai SIPG
Previous clubs: None

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